Nominations Open for the 2010 Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Dec. 17 -- The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research has opened

the 2010 call for nominations. The $100,000 Award recognizes individuals whose efforts have made significant transformational contributions towards the improvement of human health. Nomination forms are available at pauljanssenaward.com

and will be accepted until February 15, 2010. The Award winner is chosen by an independent selection committee of the world's top scientists, which features three new members this year: Robert Langer, Sc.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, past Award winner Axel Ullrich, Ph.D., Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, and Huda Zoghbi, M.D., Baylor College of Medicine.

Established by Johnson & Johnson in 2004, the Award is named for Dr. Paul Janssen, the founder of Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V. Known by colleagues throughout the scientific community as "Dr. Paul," Janssen was one of the most productive scientists of the 20th century. He was responsible for breakthroughs in several fields of disease, including pain management, psychiatry, infectious disease and gastroenterology, and has more than 100 patents to his name.

"We're proud to recognize and celebrate those outstanding scientists who are making significant contributions to scientific research and the development of critical new medicines, and who exemplify Dr. Paul's passion for medical innovation," said Paul Stoffels, M.D., who worked with Janssen while at Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V. and is now global head, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson.

In September of this year, the 2009 Award was presented to Axel Ullrich, Ph.D., director, Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Germany, for his pioneering work in applying molecular biology and molecular cloning to the discovery of protein therapeutics for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including diabetes and cancer. In 2008, the Award was presented to Professor Marc Feldmann, FMedSci, FAA, FRS, and Emeritus Professor Sir Ravinder Maini, FRCP, FMedSci, FRS, of the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Imperial College London, for their role in the discovery of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) as an effective therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory conditions. In 2006, the Award was presented to Craig Mello, Ph.D., of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and University of Massachusetts Medical School. Dr. Mello later went on to win the 2006 Nobel Prize in Medicine in conjunction with Andrew Z. Fire of Stanford University for their role in the discovery of RNA interference.

"Scientists make a significant and lasting contribution to the advancement of health and wellbeing across the globe," said Harlan Weisman, M.D., chief science and technology officer, Medical Devices & Diagnostics, Johnson & Johnson. "In acknowledging and rewarding those contributions, The Dr. Paul Janssen Award honors Dr. Paul's legacy as a physician-scientist who helped stamp out diseases in emerging and developed nations, including infectious and digestive diseases, mental illness and many others."

"As in past years, we are looking forward to receiving high quality nominations from scientists in academic and industrial research around the world -- including in the field of biomedical engineering -- and to selecting a 2010 Dr. Paul Janssen Award winner who has made significant contributions to understanding human health through his or her dedication to the advancement of science and medicine," said Solomon Snyder, M.D., distinguished service professor of neuroscience, pharmacology and psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Snyder chairs the Dr. Paul Janssen Award 2010 Selection Committee, which also includes:

Mary-Claire King, Ph.D., American Cancer Society Professor of Medicine and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle; member, National Academy of Sciences; member, American Academy of Arts & Sciences

Sir Richard Sykes, Ph.D., chair, National Health Service, London; former rector Imperial College London; former chief executive officer, GlaxoWellcome; fellow of the Royal Society; honorary fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences

The winner of the 2010 Dr. Paul Janssen Award will be announced in the summer of 2010.

About The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research

Established by Johnson & Johnson, The Dr. Paul Janssen Award salutes the most passionate and creative scientists in basic or clinical research whose scientific achievements have made, or have strong potential to make, a measurable impact on human health. The Dr. Paul Janssen Award is named for Dr. Paul Janssen, who founded Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V. in 1953. Known to his colleagues as "Dr. Paul," Janssen was one of the 20th century's most gifted and passionate researchers, a physician-scientist who helped improve millions of lives through his contribution to the discovery and development of more than 80 medicines, four of which are on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines. In 1961, Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V. joined the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies. Janssen's legacy continues to inspire Johnson & Johnson and its commitment to finding innovative cures for unmet medical needs. Visit www.pauljanssenaward.com for more information.

About Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Services, L.L.C.

Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Services, L.L.C. is a part of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies. Caring for the world, one person at a time ... inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science -- bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Our approximately 119,400 employees at more than 250 Johnson & Johnson companies work with partners in healthcare to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world.

Your comments are automatically posted once they are submitted. All comments are however constantly reviewed for spam and irrelevant material (such as product or personal advertisements, email addresses, telephone numbers and website address). Such insertions do not conform to our policy and 'Terms of Use' and are either deleted or edited and republished.Please keep your comments brief and relevant.This section may also have questions seeking help. If you have the information you are welcome to respond, but please ensure that the information so provided is genuine and not misleading.

Disclaimer - All information and content on this site are for information and educational purposes only. The information should not be used for either diagnosis or treatment or both for any health related problem or disease. Always seek the advice of a qualified physician for medical diagnosis and treatment.Full Disclaimer